An Evaluation of "Talking Signs" for the Blind

Abstract

A new orientation system for the blind was evaluated in terms of its efficiency in assisting goal-oriented travel performance. Blind subjects were asked to locate rooms independently on one floor of a large building. In one condition, the subjects used audio speech signals presented via an infrared transmitter and hand-held receiver; in the other condition they used conventional raised-print labels. Performance, in terms of time required to reach goal, was compared for the two conditions. The results indicate that it took significantly less time to reach the goal locations when subjects used the audio system. The role of such a system in aiding the orientation and travel efficiency of blind pedestrians is discussed, as are additional applications of the system, effective techniques developed by the subjects for using the device, and suggested improvements for future versions.